UNIMED SHINES BRILLIANTLY AT 2024 ONDO STATE PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
The Ondo State Government has recognised University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo for its excellent trailblazing exploits in health professions education in the last ten years at the 2024 Public Service Award held on Monday, 4th November at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), Akure.
The Award was designed to recognise exceptional achievements in Public Service and honour organisations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to the development of Ondo State.
According to the Head of Service, Mr Bayo Phillips, the University is given the award in view of its remarkable contribution to the health and education sectors within its short time of establishment. UNIMED is noted to have demonstrated excellence in teaching, research and community service.
While citing the accomplishments of the University, the Head of Service stated, among others, that “UNIMED has run an uninterrupted academic calendar for about 10 years and that it was one of the few public schools that were able to swiftly pivot to online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.” He went further to say that its rare commitment in Public Service has enabled the University “ to produce 3 sets of medical doctors and dentists in less than 10 years of existence, 4 sets of Nurses; 4 sets of physiotherapists, 2 sets of Medical Laboratory Scientists and 6 sets of graduates of health sciences”.
The gathering also noted that UNIMED has the largest number of health and medical courses among Nigerian universities: its undergraduate courses increased from 12 in 2020 to 40 in 2024; its postgraduate courses have grown to 59, including 23 PhD programmes, between 2020 and 2024.
Furthermore, UNIMED has consistently recorded 100% in all professional examinations conducted by Regulatory Councils, including Nursing, Medical Laboratory Sciences, and Community Health. The dedication of the University to community development was equally highlighted as it was noted that “the University funds an annual debate competition for primary schools; UNIMED Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics competition for secondary schools; community dental programme in Ile-Oluji; Sustainable Primary Health Care programmes in Oke-Igbo and Ilu-Titun; and regular health outreach programmes”.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adesegun Fatusi, who spoke on behalf of the honorees, said “Excellence thrives when it is recognized, rewarded and celebrated. The Public Service Award initiative shows the commitment of the Ondo State Government to excellence in Public Service”. He went further to say that “the story of University of Medical Sciences, Ondo is a story of vision to do what is perceived impossible; a story of courage to turn vision into reality; and a story of resilience to keep going in the face of challenges”! The recognition by the state government is a testament to UNIMED’s commitment to excellence in all its activities.
Other organisations awarded by the Ondo State Government at the 2024 Public Service Award were the Ondo State Health Commission, and the Civil service Commission.
E-Signed
Isaac Oluyi
PRO, UNIMED
4th November, 2024